Bernard "Bernie" Alzheimer, 90, of Breckenridge, MN, passed away on Saturday, December 13, 2014, at St. Francis Medical Center in Breckenridge. Bernie was born in Breckenridge, MN, on July 5, 1924, one of 11 children born to Killian and Anna (Reinke) Alzheimer. He attended grades one through eight at St. Mary's Catholic School in Breckenridge, graduating from Breckenridge High School in 1942. In May of 1943, Bernie enlisted in the US Army, serving his country in Europe with the Armored Infantry Company, achieving the rank of Staff Sergeant. He was awarded the Bronze Star US Combat Medal. Upon his return from World War II in April of 1946, Bernie went to work at the National Tea Super Market as a meat cutter, then after a short time, accepted a position for the United States Postal Service.

On March 2, 1957, he was united in marriage to Lila Foley Drey at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Breckenridge. He retired from the Postal Service in 1981, and soon after, Bernie took a post-retirement position as a custodian for Sigco Research, later called Mycogen Seed. He officially retired in 2009, when he was 85 years old. Most recently, Bernie was a resident of Twin Town Villa in Breckenridge.

A man of service, leadership, and integrity, Bernie served in his community in many capacities, including: Scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 134 from 1947-1957; Breckenridge Rotary Club; a life member of the VFW Post 2766 and American Legion Post 53; Wilkin-Richland World War II Last Man's Club; secretary of Breckenridge Bowling League for many years; treasurer of the BHS Senior High School Reunion from 1993-2004; and was a devoted member of St. Mary's Catholic Church. Bernie was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying gardening and spending time with family at the cabin on Ottertail Lake. He was an enthusiastic fisherman and would carve out time in his busy schedule for the solitude of being on the water. In his younger years, he loved to bowl. In his later years, he marveled his family and friends by navigating the World Wide Web on his IPad; a feat that's rather unusual for his generation. He also used his IPad for staying in close contact with family. One of life's greatest treasures for Bernie was spending time with his grandchildren.

Bernie is survived by his two daughters, Annie and Carla, and several grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Killian and Anna; his wife, Lila; his son, James; and his 10 siblings.
(Joseph Vertin & Sons Funeral Home, Breckenridge)